brilliant poem! i think it applies to more than just football, but friendship and communities like pon.
- Comment on the Richard Montague interview here
- Who should be recruited in January? Read this excellent recruitment doc from member ARLukomski
- PoN member McPie asks have we progressed under Martin Paterson? Join the conversation here.
- PoN member theAnticlough poses a new set of questions about the team, click here.
- Notts confirm Belshaw signing
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Morning all, I should have started this yesterday my days are all mixed up.
Well it’s New Years Eve and it looks like it will be a wet one for those out and about celebrating, I used to go to town to celebrate years ago but not now, we’ll probably be in bed but awake reading or watching telly. Mrs. T has this strange custom of opening the back door and front door, something to do with letting the old year out and the new year in, so she can do that while I lay snug in bed.
Have a great night and if you’re drinking don’t overdo it.
Football is…
Football is a wiggle of the hips
Football is a whistle to the lips
Football is an unfollowed script
Football is
Football is kickabouts in the park
Football is floodlights in the dark
Football is fans not oligarchs
Football is
Football is the dream of finishing top
Football is the fear of facing the drop
Football is an open book not a closed shop
Football is
Football is not a share price but a shared obsession
Football is more than just keeping possession
Football is freedom of expression
Football is
Football is the real thing not a rehearsal
Football is a language that’s universal
Football is drama not a corporate commercial
Football is
Football is a door to which we are the key
Football is nothing without you and me
Football is whatever we allow it to be
Football will be…
Poem by Brian Bilston
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2 hours ago, Fan of Big Tone said:A blue plaque has now been placed where the match took place.
What a poor article that is. We were never called Nottinghamshire (the earliest reports refer to us as "the Notts Club") and weren't founded in 1864. And surely a proper blue plaque should be put up at the site of the Meadows Cricket Ground, where the match was actually played, rather than a railway station in Sheffield?
interesting to learn about some of our clubs history, i think if we could arrange a friendly between us and them. that is a very good idea.
I think football agents are a scourge on the modern game.
I just don't think they provide any useful purpose, but that's just my opinion.
i wonder how many agents actually deserve the money they earn, i understand the role can help a player. much like a talent agent can take duties off a busy actor, but agents in football tend to seem money grabbers and negative with turning players heads by not having their best interests.
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Well done @super_ram Looks like it was jumping in the snow
Squirrels are running up and down one of our trees as I type.
4 minutes ago, Robbie said:I was going to suggest that. Would have to be a big one.
It looks big in the photo, I should have put something at the side of the print for a size comparison.
It's Matchday.
Who's your Man of the Match v Walsall? 8 members have voted
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1. Choose your Notts Player of the Match
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Matt Palmer0%0
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David McGoldrick12%1
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George Abbott12%1
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Jacob Bedeau12%1
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Alex Bass0%0
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Matty Platt0%0
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Alassana Jatta25%2
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Josh Martin12%1
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Dan Crowley25%2
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This poll is closed to new votes
Poll closed on 04/01/25 at 11:45
Please sign in or register to vote in this poll.
It was a dissapointing defeat against Walsall, however on the positive side there were some good performances for Notts despite the defeat.
I have picked nine players for my shortlist for Man of the Match for Notts.
They are:-
Martin, Jatta, Platt, Bass, Bedeau, Abbott, Palmer, McGoldrick & Crowley.
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13 minutes ago, Robbie said:I have added Dan Crowley to the poll, if you wish to cast your vote for him
Cheers miduck voted. ????
Interesting how we all see the match so differently. I thought Didzy and Crowley were passengers at the start of the second half and when they got the ball they generally took to many touches. Likewise I thought second half was one of Platt’s poorer performances. His scuffed clearance leads to their first and then he is beaten to the ball by Lowe for their second.
First half everyone was pretty good though but I did find it odd we pushed Palmer out a touch wider, and he wasn’t as involved at times. We played almost in a diamond at times with Abbott at the base. I think second half we really needed Palmer and Abbott to play more as a holding duo to potentially stop their advances.
It was a game of two halves so it’s much harder to score, Martin played well and got undeservingly hooked for me. But overall I think Abbott came away from that match with the most credit.
The poll has now closed. Thanks to all who voted.
We have another tie for the Pride of Nottingham's Man of the Match with both Alassana Jatta & Dan Crowley topping the poll.
Congratulations to both.
Dani Olmo news: Spain midfielder in limbo as Barcelona left mired in uncertainty
The work is coming along nicely.
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It's great that the Nest can be used to watch a Notts away match in midweek for supporters who can't get to the match in person.
Another money spinner for Notts.
The World Darts Championship at the Nest. Another money spinner
We are only three days into the January transfer window but the rumour mill has already started in earnest with speculation about possible bids for Notts players.
Noticed Plymouth supporters speculating about a possible Jatta bid from their club.
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There’ll be lots of rumours flying around, probably 99% will be untrue.
Jatta won't be leaving Notts, but I'm sure the offers will come in for him. January is noted for crazy offers for players.
Yeah, not sure about this rumour. I don’t think Jatta is quite Championship level, I love him and he's great for us but you’ve only got to look at Macca to see how big the step up is – albeit Millwall don’t exactly play a style that suits him…
I think it may be Dan Crowley’s lad.
Yes that was very funny to see! He must have been in the dressing room when Stuart Maynard gave his team talk and said to get stuck into them ????
Dan was very caring and attentive with him so it most likely was his son.
Wayne Rooney leaves Plymouth Argyle with side bottom of Championship
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4 hours ago, Piethagoram said:@Robbie Plymouth get 10x football distribution monies than EFL2. They could say offer 8x increase in Walsall's salary...job done
I understand that and it would be very tempting to move to a championship club.
Some may disagree with me, but a League 2 Championship medal is good to have on a CV, but a Championship relegation is not, even though the Salary may be much bigger.
A League 2 win could help him get a much better club in the Championship if he is prepared to wait till next season.
Alternatively, he may decide to try to help Walsall to get promoted to the Championship next season if Walsall are promoted.
Makes sense, it benefits everyone really. With Tsaroulla and now Jones back getting in the team was always going to difficult again for Chicksen. I get he can play at LCB back too but both Bedeau and McDonald will be ahead of him here.
Funny how Neal Ardley is now at Woking, having replaced Michael Doyle as the manager. They just don't want to give up that Notts link!
I don't think we will see Adam back at Notts when his loan period runs out.
I think Adam is much more comfortable as a non league player.
What is interesting is that when Ardley managed Notts, Chicksen seemed rarely in his thoughts
I was a stay at home supporter today and watched the game on Sky Sports+ I was bloody annoyed that the woman commentating kept referring to us as Nottingham F*r*st, how dare she!
Anyone else hear it?
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@Piethagoram yes that’s it, she called us F*rest several times during the commentary absolutely no excuse.
The M6 Toll road was built using pulped Mills and Boon novels!
About 2,500,000 of the novels were pulped at a recycling firm in south Wales and used in the preparation of the top layer of the West Midlands motorway, according to building materials suppliers Tarmac.
The pulp which helps hold the Tarmac and asphalt in place also acts as a sound absorber and is vital in the construction of roads.
The project manager for the M6 Toll, said the books' absorbent qualities made them a vital ingredient in the construction of the country's first pay-as-you-go motorway. "They may be slushy to many people, but it's their 'no-slushiness' that is their attraction as far as we are concerned.
"This means that the road will last longer before we have to repair it, which is good news for the paying customers using it to escape congestion on the M6."
He said for every mile of motorway approximately 45,000 books were needed.
The books which are usually end of line or damaged are collected from across the UK and pulped at Excel Industries in Ebbw Vale, south Wales.
A Tarmac spokesman said the company was not suggesting there was anything wrong with Mills & Boon novels."We want to reassure Mills & Boon readers that we're not just picking on their favourite books, other books are down there too. Full story:
Never thought the M6 toll was a Romantische Straße
Game 24 - The Saddlers (H)
Team: Walsall
Date: 01/01/2025
Where: Meadow Lane

What line-up should Stuart Maynard opt for? What will be the key areas for the Magpies to get a victory? What do you think the final score will be?
Have your say below, join in with the Pride of Nottingham match discussion.
- Show previous comments 22 more
At the end of the day there are positives to take from this match.
We totally outplayed the runaway leaders of league 2 in the first half & should have been 2 or even 3 goals up by half time, & there would have been no coming back from that.
Notts are the better footballing side, so the players should take confidence from that.
Another positive was that Josh Martin had a good game once again following in from his good performance against MK Dons.
Jodi showed that he hasn't lost his ability to create chances for other teammates with his great cross that led to the Notts disallowed goal.
If Notts continue to play like they did in the first half against Walsall they will beat most other teams in League 2.
1 hour ago, Robbie said:At the end of the day there are positives to take from this match.
We totally outplayed the runaway leaders of league 2 in the first half & should have been 2 or even 3 goals up by half time, & there would have been no coming back from that.
Notts are the better footballing side, so the players should take confidence from that.
Another positive was that Josh Martin had a good game once again following in from his good performance against MK Dons.
Jodi showed that he hasn't lost his ability to create chances for other teammates with his great cross that led to the Notts disallowed goal.
If Notts continue to play like they did in the first half against Walsall they will beat most other teams in League 2.
You did outplay us, and were impressive, but I'm sorry to say that is how we approach all games. Look at the stats, and it will prove that point.
We deliberately sit back in the first half, apart from the odd foray forward, let teams tire themselves out, whilst we keep our shape and work the opposition out, and hopefully keep a clean sheet or restrict them to one goal.
Then we come out second half, fresh as daisies and have a high energetic press, that nobody can live with, and finish teams off in the second half.
That nearly didn't work yesterday, as you might have been out of sight by half time, but that is only because Sadler chose to drop Matt, who is a nuisance to play against, and integral part of how we play, despite all the plaudits for Lowe.
Hs getting on a bit though so after the usual hectic seasonal run of games, Sadler chose to rest him. It nearly backfired, but didn't, and his decisions are unquestionable at the moment.
As has already been said, you're definitely the best side we've played (based on both games) and the promotion places are wide open, if you can be any more consistent than the other teams, that aren't apart from Salford. Jones' return may help with that.
@saddlesore thanks for adding your comments, it's always nice to hear from opposing fans. Good luck for the rest of the season, I hope Notts can go up with you.
Check out these topics from December which you may have missed.
A very touching story, thanks @Piethagoram
My New Year resolutions:
To accept myself as I am and stop trying to be what I’m not.
To eat as healthily as I can but have the occasional treat.
To keep fit and continue my park runs even though I get slower every year.
Anyone else making a resolution? Why not resolve to come on PoN at least once a day and make at least one reply or new topic.
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I want to continue with the walking all be it not as far as this year. Another 31 miles this month, the miles keep piling up.
I want to make a conscious effort to spend less time on social media & take up some new pursuits.
And it will be diet time at the beginning of 2025 after a few weeks of over indulgence.
Happy new year to everyone on PON.
My only aim which has been the same aim for the last 19 years or more, and that is to avoid going into Hospital for an whole year.
@piethagoram.bsky.social on Bluesky
Get your new year off to a cracking start with some prediction league points. Go on, treat yourself. The fixtures kick off at 3pm on new year's day, and don't forget your joker!
Sheffield Wednesday v Derby County
West Bromwich Albion v Preston North End
Lincoln City v Rotherham United
Northampton Town v Stevenage
Barrow v Bradford City
Morecambe v Tranmere Rovers
Rochdale v Altrincham
York City v Gateshead
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Sheffield Wednesday 3-2 Derby County
West Bromwich Albion 2-1 Preston North End
Lincoln City 2-0 Rotherham United ????
Northampton Town 1-1 Stevenage
Barrow 0-1 Bradford City
Morecambe 0-0 Tranmere Rovers
Rochdale 3-1 Altrincham
York City 2-1 Gateshead
The results:
Sheffield Wednesday 4-2 Derby County
West Bromwich Albion 3-1 Preston North End
Lincoln City 0-1 Rotherham United
Northampton Town 0-0 Stevenage
Barrow 2-2 Bradford City
Morecambe 2-0 Tranmere Rovers
Rochdale P-P Altrincham
York City 1-0 Gateshead
---
And the first winner of 2025 is @super_ram!
@super_ram - 8
@Fan of Big Tone - 6
@ARLukomski - 5
@cheeky~k8, @menzinho, @nottsnutter - 4
@4everapie, @william1984 - 3
@Dan, @DangerousSausage, @gtownjohnno, @Robbie - 2
@magpiejue - 1
@Megan_Elizax - nul points
---
Overall, @ARLukomski moves up into second while @super_ram stretches his lead:
---
Our next round is on Saturday (4 January), so the fixtures are online now - good luck!
I’ve gone from second bottom to respectable mid table, play offs are in reach.
- A League 2 team will drop like a stone
- Chelsea win the Europa Conference League
- Southampton finish on 11 points, equalling Derby's points record
- A big star leaves Saudi Pro League because he's fed up
- Birmingham are in the Championship top 6 by December
- St Pats win the League of Ireland
- 3 teams qualify for the World Cup who haven't qualified before
Harrogate will be relegated from League 2.
Wrexham will still be in League 1.
Wayne Rooney will be Blackpool's manager.
The outcome of the Man City trial will be a fine, they won't be relegated.
Lionesses to be knocked out of the Euro's at the group stage.
Liverpool to win the Premier League.
Leeds to win the Championship
Birmingham to win League 1.
Walsall to win League 2.
York City to win Nat League.
Notts County to get promoted in third place or at the very least a play off place.
Man City to be relegated along with a big fine. That's what they deserve. In reality, they'll get away with it.
Who's your Man of the Match v Cheltenham? 21 members have voted
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1. Choose your Notts Player of the Match
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Alex Bass0%0
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Jacob Bedeau9%2
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Matty Platt0%0
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Sam Austin0%0
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Josh Martin19%4
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Jack Hinchy0%0
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George Abbott28%6
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Matt Palmer9%2
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Dan Crowley4%1
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Conor Grant0%0
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Alassana Jatta28%6
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This poll is closed to new votes
Poll closed on 31/12/24 at 21:00
Please sign in or register to vote in this poll.
Another great performance by the team today, so I have included eleven players for you to vote on.
Bass, Bedeau, Platt, Austin, Martin, Hinchy, Abbott, Grant, Crowley, Palmer & Jatta.
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i thought geroge abbott was class, it was a really good team performance but i do think our midfield won the game. largely due to abbott and dan crowley.
Poll closes 9pm Tuesday evening, The poll is tied at the moment between Abbott & Jatta. Let's make sure we get a winner tonight.
The poll has now closed. Thanks to all who voted.
Looks like we have a tie for the Pride of Nottingham's man of the Match between Alassana Jatta & George Abbott.
Well done to both for their excellent performance against Cheltenham.
Every New Years Eve my wife likes to open the front door to let the new year in and the back door to let the old year out, has anyone else got any odd rituals?
Apart from getting bladdered.
Germany's ritual is to watch this in the minutes leading up to midnight. Enjoy!
That takes me back to when I was much younger, the wonderful Freddy Frinton,who in real life was actually teetotal.Thanks for sharing @DangerousSausage
Jodi is still top of the EFL assists list even though he's been out injured for 3 months.
It's still been a great year for Jodi despite the injury.
Hopefully he’ll be back very soon with more assists and goals. ????
Game 23 - The Robins (A)
Team: Cheltenham Town
Date: 29/12/2024
Where: Whaddon Road

What line-up should Stuart Maynard opt for? What will be the key areas for the Magpies to get a victory? What do you think the final score will be?
Have your say below, join in with the Pride of Nottingham match discussion.
- Show previous comments 40 more
That pass from Hinchy!
Good morning it’s a chilly one again and we have snow I won’t be going out until it clears, it’s supposed to turn to rain later which will suit me fine, it’s very picturesque but I don’t like it when you’ve got to go out.
Stay safe folks if driving or walking in it.
Good Afternoon.
We had snow overnight but not as much as forecasted. I would say a couple of inches fell. Looks like the slow thaw has already started.
Cleared the car of snow and started the engine to warm things up.
Hopefully the warm front will get to us before the day is out & we will get a full thaw.
I'm taking a relative to the hospital tonight for an appointment. Hopefully all the roads will be clear by then & the hospital car parking won't be difficult.
????